Mooch was watching over us, or teaching us a lesson...

This is a great thread. Glad you two are okay.

One of the things I always pack in my yak is a space blanket. Once you get out of the water you are not necessarily out of danger. As we get into colder months ahead you can still get hypothermia once you get back in your yak. The space blanket is super light and doesn't take up much space. It will also warm you up while you are in the water as well.

When my wife did her 24 hr. swim we used it to keep her warm in the water when she would take a break.

Awesome equipment.

Glad to hear everything worked out. You guys were very lucky there was a boater nearby. Keep the VHF radio on your PFD, so even if you are separated from your kayak, you will still be able to call for help. And learn how to make a mayday call.

Navigating in the fog can be a challenge. Especially if you do not know how to use GPS. Keep in mind that without a map for reference, and going on bearings alone, there might be obstacles between you and your destination. Think sea wall in HMB.

A dry suit will keep you dry, but it will not keep you warm. You must wear an insulation layer under it if you want to stay warm even for a short immersion.

Thank you for sharing your experience with the rest of us, glad you guys made it out okay!  Lots of lessons here.

This is a great thread. Glad you two are okay.

One of the things I always pack in my yak is a space blanket.

me too....and a couple if hand warmers. Always on my PFD...Knife, radio, whistle and a small compass. I also keep a beanie and some gloves in a dry bag. Nice to be able so put on some dry/warm gloves and hat. Saved my bacon a shelter a few yrs back.

   That is interesting about a space blanket.  I did know that space blanket works in the water too.  It’s a bit beyond my comprehension.  I will pick up a space blanket and add it to my pack. 
   Anyway this is the first time I’ve posted anything and I am just excited to see what a great group we have.  I’m just sad that I have been hiding in the bushes all this time.  Thank you all for you input and guidance. 

 

  A small compass is inexpensive.  I installed surfac mount compas in my OB, even though my FF has GPS and a compass rose page, I still use my surface mount.  No batteries to ware out on it until I wire it's light to my FF attery.
  Glad you guys wern't hurt seriously! 

So glad to hear you and Vin got back safely Herb. Boy that was scary and thank God there was a boat nearby to give Vin an aid. Thanks for sharing you mishap with us all. A very good reminder for all of us to be prepared for the worst.

Jedmo

Glad you two are OK and can share this.  The ocean is no joke and tends it to be several times more difficult to get back in your boat than most people assume.

Glad you both are ok.  Yikes!
"BBB" method says;

1.BRACE      in the middle of the kayak
2.BELLY        swim your belly into the center
3.BUTT         slowly roll your ass into the seat.

I like the hand warmer idea and the space blanket suggestion.
Be well and thank you sweet angles above!   

This posting seem kind of dumb when I was thinking of posting the experience.  But when I was talking with some of the guys to get them to practice self-rescue, I’m getting lots of resistance.  A lot of us think we have a kayak that will not tip over because we have a better designed kayak, or we paid a lot of money for this kayak.  My advice is to try and tip it over on purpose, and you will realize there is no such thing as a kayak that will not tip over.  The trick is to get so use to tipping over, executing self-recovery that it is no big deal – as I was taught in kayak school.  The next time may not be so lucky…

SOOOO glad you guys re ok! It could have turned out so much worse. Mooch gave you the greatest advice and was most definitely looking over you.

One of the BEST things I ever did was at the 2013 Crab Fest...I went out with Dan Arbuckle's group to do self rescue practice on Saturday. I wore the wetsuit my NCKA brothers got for me and I learned how to get back into my kayak. It was  that day that I realized just how important it is to know how to get back in a kayak, hell or high water!

Dressing for immersion, even if you don't plan on getting in the water, is uber important and can save your life. Like you said, even the 3ml made a difference.

Again - so glad you are both alright!
-Cherie


P.S. If you can't get in doing the reach and pull, try the heel hook method. You float flat on your back in-line with the kayak, and "roll" into the kayak by using your furthest foot to "hook" in and gain leverage. It's much easier for some people.

Has anybody else ever have cramps on the inner,  upper side of the thighs? This was keeping me from kicking and getting my chest and then belly into the kayak during the self rescue.
   I noticed I have those cramps just about every time I go kayaking. It was bad enough that I cannot even put both my legs in the water on both sides of the kayak when I'm just sitting up right.  could it be the seats that I'm using? It is just the ocean kayak standard seat.

Has anybody else ever have cramps on the inner,  upper side of the thighs? This was keeping me from kicking and getting my chest and then belly into the kayak during the self rescue.
   I noticed I have those cramps just about every time I go kayaking. It was bad enough that I cannot even put both my legs in the water on both sides of the kayak when I'm just sitting up right.  could it be the seats that I'm using? It is just the ocean kayak standard seat.

Hmm, I've never cramped up like that.  If it happens every time you go out, definitely try out a different seat.  Might be a good idea to sign up for an intro class and have someone check out your posture and technique too.

   Yeah, It is a cramp that starts close to groin and extend down the front inner thigh.  Sometimes happens in my inflatable kayak too when rock picking for abalone.  I would try to lift my legs, and thats when the cramp would hits.  I would try to lie down and wait for it to go away.  But in a hard shell, the back rest keeps me from doing that.  Usually happen after I have been on the water for more than a couple of hours.  I will try replacing the seat first though.  Perhaps a slightly thicker seat would help. 

Take a banana along.  Heard the potasium helps to prevent cramping .... and catching fish.  I too get cramps.  Got one in Monterey about a month ago when I jumped in to help load my daughters on the AI tramps by MBK beack to keep from beaching the yak.  Just as I realized I was too deep to jump in (with legs already in the water), I cramped up & it was all I could do to re-board the kayak in 8' of water.

I'm glad you didn't die.